Hegseth said that the misbehavior before the enemy charge carries a maximum penalty of life in prison, while the desertion charge is punishable by up to five years.

"You don't want a Bowe Bergdahl ever walking free in light of what he's done," he said. "It is a price that Bowe Bergdahl charged our entire country. The least he can do is serve behind bars for the rest of his life."

Hegseth said that many in the military actually believe that Bergdahl should face the death penalty.

"This is a treasonous act," Hegseth said, explaining that many people believe Bergdahl abandoned his post to search for the Taliban.

He said it remains to be seen if Bergdahl is pleading guilty as part of a plea deal or if he is doing so in hopes leniency in the sentencing.

In either scenario, his punishment won't be known until after the judge holds the sentencing hearing that's expected to start on October 23.

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